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Two Dudes from Ned in a Stadium of Red

This was our first of two games today. But first I want to tell you about an abandoned stadium Mike and I visited the day before.

This old abandoned stadium is Compadre Stadium and what’s left of it is in Chandler, AZ.

It’s not actually all that old, it was built-in 1985 and is the former spring training facility for the Brewers and at the time it was the gem of the cactus league. The Brewers called this place home for 11 years then made the move to Maryvale because the city of Chandler didn’t want to pay for the operating costs for the facility when the Brewers weren’t in town.

Rox Addict and his famous pose.

The land is presently used for sheep and at the same time it’s being torn down.

Photo by Tim Hacker/Tribune

Here’s a few pictures of Compadre in her glory.

All Mike and I wanted to do here was take a few pictures. We I each went a different direction looking for a way in or someone to ask if we could take a peek inside. We were in front of the stadium just a minute of two when a company truck pulled up to Mike. I could see they were talking so I headed over there. As I approached the guy in the truck looked at me and said “Do you want me to call the cops?”. I was like “Dude I just walked up here”. Then he went into a rant about how since they’ve put the sign up saying no trespassing more people than ever have been showing up trying to explore.

The dude threatened to call the cops a few more times and Mike and I got out of there without incident. We left and headed to another part of the stadium. We stayed off the property but got a few pictures from the outfield of the seats.

Cool place, it’s too bad the construction company doesn’t realize the historic significance of this place. Instead of being kind to baseball enthusiasts who only want to take look at a piece of baseball history, they treat them like criminals and run them off.

Here’s a few recent pictures of the stadium that I’ve been able to find.

I don’t advise trying to photograph this place. Not unless you want that guy to call the cops. 🙂

My first visit to Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Batting practice today consisted of standing in the parking lot next to the stadium. We caught the tail end of BP and only one ball was hit out. A group of dudes were huddled around where the ball was going to land. They all missed it and I positioned myself for the bounce. I was in the perfect spot, the ball hit my glove and bounced out. That was it, BP was over and I blew my only opportunity of the day.

All I can say is “Hey, it’s spring training for me too” 🙂

Phillie Jim and I in front of the Stadium.

Here’s a few shots of the inside. This is a cool stadium.

Here’s the berm…Packed.

The lineup.

Game shots.

Former Rockie Chris Iannetta.

Albert

The topper to a great game was an Usher letting us sit right behind the Rockies dugout for the last part of the game.

Nice folks, you can tell they’re proud to have Albert around.

Angels get the win over the Royals 7-4.

I’m “D” The Ranter and only two more games left for the Rox Addict and I.